Guide

Best generator for home backup

For home backup, the deciding specs are running watts, starting watts for the fridge, furnace or well pump, and a 120/240 V L14-30R outlet for a transfer switch or interlock. These are the models in this set that cover the typical essential-circuit list through a 30 A inlet.

1. Honda EU7000iS — 5,500 / 7,000 W, Gasoline, 6.4 hr at rated load, 16 hr at 1/4 load
2. Champion 7500W Dual Fuel (100891) — 7,500 / 9,375 W, Dual fuel (gasoline/propane), 10 hr at 1/2 load on gasoline, 5.5 hr at 1/2 load on a 20-lb propane tank
3. FIRMAN T07571 Tri Fuel — 7,500 / 9,400 W, Tri fuel (gasoline/propane/natural gas), Up to 12 hr at 25% load
4. Predator 9500 Super Quiet Inverter — 7,600 / 9,500 W, Gasoline, 18.5 hr at 25% load, CO SECURE
5. Generac GP8000E COsense — 8,000 / 10,000 W, Gasoline, 15 hr at 25% load, 10 hr at 50% load, COsense shutdown
6. Westinghouse WGen9500DF — 9,500 / 12,500 W, Dual fuel (gasoline/propane), 12 hr at 25% load on gasoline, 7 hr at 50% on propane
7. DuroMax XP12000EH — 9,500 / 12,000 W, Dual fuel (gasoline/propane), 19 hr at 25% / 8 hr at 50% on gasoline; 14 hr / 7 hr on a 40-lb propane tank
8. Pulsar G12KBN — 9,500 / 12,000 W, Dual fuel (gasoline/propane), 13 hr at 50% load on gasoline
9. DuroMax XP13000EH — 10,500 / 13,000 W, Dual fuel (gasoline/propane), 8.5 hr at 50% load on gasoline, 6.5 hr at 50% on propane

Dual-fuel models let you store propane, which does not go stale like gasoline. CO-shutoff models are the safer pick.